Breast-cancer patients in the Santa Clarita Valley will have a new way to cope with post-surgery discomfort, now that Zonta Club of the Santa Clarita Valley has delivered the first of its Huggy Heartz therapeutic pillows for distribution to local women.

The pillows, made of soft washable cotton in cheerful patterns, have a strap to be worn over the shoulder.

The heart-shaped pillow has a pouch on one side to hold a cold pack under the arm, where it will be most comfortable for patients.

The first pillows were delivered this week to the patient navigation office associated with Sheila Veloz Breast Imaging Center at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and to Circle of Hope.

The Zonta Club hopes to be able to produce as many as 10 new pillows each month to serve patients as they are diagnosed with breast cancer and scheduled for surgery.

Zonta members, friends and family, and volunteers from the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center are currently sewing the pillows with donated fabric and materials.

Zonta continues to seek volunteers who are willing to sew the pillows, and people willing to donate fabric, fiberfill and other materials needed to make the hearts.

The Zonta Club of SCV is part of a global organization of executive and professional women working to improve the lives of woman and girls.

Donors or volunteers can call Zonta Community Service Chairwoman Suzie Alziebler at 661-251-0838, and leave a message.